Carolina Panther QB Cam Newton live like you've never seen him

The Cam Newton Foundation gave $150,000 to Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools Tuesday -- Bradley Middle School, Thomasboro Academy and Randolph Middle School received $50,000 apiece. Newton met with students from each in Randolph's 400-seat gym.

When Newton, who plays quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, was introduced, students reacted the way you'd think they would. Along with cheering and yelling, a few jumped up and engulfed him. Then a few more did. While public relations representatives worried, Newton moved into the crowd, slapping hands, at ease, smiling.

I've been around Newton at training camp, at practice, in the locker room and at Auburn. I've never seen him like this.The afternoon wasn't about quarterback rating, won-loss record or a towel on his head.

This was about his foundation and the kids.

It was as if the microphone was an extension of Newton's right hand. He worked the room, moving back and forth, laughing, exhorting, challenging, praising.

He asked for ovations for the middle school football teams and for the National Junior Honor Society. When he deemed applause for the honor society insufficient, he demanded more.

He asked kids what they wanted to be when they grew up. A vet, one said, a doctor, said another, a football coach, said a third. To get any of those jobs, an education is necessary, Newton told them.

Without an education, he told middle-schoolers, your opportunities will be limited. With an education, they'll be limitless.

Newton was scheduled to answer questions and speak for five to 10 minutes. He talked for 30.

After he finished he told me: 'It's not something I was forced to do. I wanted to do that."

Comments

Love this kid, lets give him time to find his true self and i think we'll all be blessed and amazed! Remember your life at 23...I dont think any of us would be able to handle a starting QB job in the NFL and everything that comes with it.

I'm a teacher at Randolph. I don't know if Cam truly knows just how much this gift will go to improving our students' education. Here in CMS, there's always enough books, paper, and chalk, but this gift is going to provide educational opportunities that our students would never been able to experience otherwise. We are so greatful for his generosity! Thank you Cam Newton!!!

It's obvious "Patrick Peterson's jersey" got very little education in school. Just a cheap shot punk that doesn't belong in this article. Thanks Cam for your generosity and encouraging the students. It's a great thing to do.

I am so sick of reading the criticisms of this young man. This article tells all you need to know about Cam Newton. He is a fine young man and I think for whatever it is worth he will develop into a great quarterback. Events like this are more important.

Interesting that a guy who dropped out of college to play football would encourage young people to get a good education. Live and learn, I suppose. Still, good for Cam and good for his foundation, but he'll do well to remember that if his professional career doesn't change course soon, he won't have money to donate to worthy schools like this.